Loretta Swit Net Worth, Husband, Wiki, Age, Height, Parents, Movies and Career
Loretta Swit real name is Loretta Jane Szwed was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, is
Loretta Swit real name is Loretta Jane Szwed was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, is an esteemed American actress renowned for her versatile performances on stage and television.
She gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the iconic television series MASH*, a role that earned her two Emmy Awards. Beyond her acting career, Swit is a dedicated animal rights activist and accomplished author.
Loretta Swit Net Worth
Loretta Swit Net Worth
$4 Million
Loretta Swit net worth is estimated to be approximately $4 million as of 2026. Her wealth primarily stems from her acting career, including her long-standing role on MASH* and various stage performances.
Swit is also an accomplished author, having written books on needlepoint and her watercolor artistry, with proceeds supporting her charitable endeavors.
Income of Sources
- MASH* (1972–1983):** As a lead cast member for all 11 seasons, this was a significant source of income and residuals.
- Theater: Swit was a frequent theater performer, starring in productions like Same Time, Next Year, The Balcony, and Shirley Valentine.
- Television & Film: Guest appearances on shows like Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza, along with numerous TV movies.
- Game Shows: Regular appearances on popular game shows in the 1970s, such as Match Game and Pyramid.
- Book Publishing: She published SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit in 1986.
Who is Loretta Swit?
Loretta Jane Swit was born on November 4, 1937 in Passaic, New Jersey, U.S. She was raised in a Roman Catholic home of Polish ancestry and went to Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic.
She subsequently studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where she developed her talent and love of theatre.
Loretta Swit is a renowned American actress best known for her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the long-running television series MAS*H. With a career spanning over five decades, Swit has become a beloved figure in television history.
Swit career began in theater, performing in regional and national productions, including notable performances in Same Time, Next Year and The Odd Couple. She made her television debut in the late 1960s with guest roles on series like Gunsmoke and Mission: Impossible.
She featured in TV series such MASH: 30th Anniversary Reunion, Hollywood Squares, Batman: The Animated Series, Memories of MASH, Dolly, A Christmas Calender, The Love Boat, First Affair, Cagney & Lacey, Password Plus, Supertrain, and others.
How Did Loretta Swit famous for?
Loretta Swit famously known for her role as Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the beloved show “MAS*H,” has died. She was nominated for Emmy Awards in each season of the long-running show, and won two, in 1980 and 1982.
Loretta Swit Age
Loretta Swit is 88 years old as of 2025 making her was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
Loretta Swit Nationality and Zodiac Sign
Loretta Swit an American nationality and belongs to the Christianity religion. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Loretta Swit Height and Weight
Loretta Swit height is 5 feet 6 inches (1.67 m) and weight is 55 kilograms (121 lbs). She her body measurements are 35-25-36 inches and her bra size is 34C. Her shoe size is 7 US, and her dress size is 6 US. She has beautiful blonde hair color and blue eyes.
Loretta Swit Early Life and Education
Loretta Jane Szwed was born on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Polish-American parents, Lester and Nellie Szwed (née Kassack). She had one older brother, Robert, who was six years her senior.
Swit grew up in a Roman Catholic family and was active in a Girl Scout troop sponsored by the Holy Rosary R.C. Church of Passaic.
She graduated from Pope Pius XII High School in 1955, where she participated in theatrical productions, cheerleading, and basketball.
She later attended Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair, New Jersey, graduating in 1957, and trained in drama and singing at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
Loretta Swit Husband and Relationship
Loretta Swit was married to actor Dennis Holahan in 1983. However, the couple divorced in 1995. She has no children. Swit is known for her privacy and focuses much of her post-acting life on advocacy and humanitarian causes.
Loretta Swit Career
Loretta Swit professional journey commenced in the late 1960s with touring theater productions, including a national tour of “Any Wednesday” in 1967.
Her television debut came in 1969 with guest appearances on popular series such as Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, and Mission: Impossible. These roles showcased her versatility and opened doors to more significant opportunities.
In 1972, Swit was cast as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH*, a role that would become the cornerstone of her career. Her portrayal of the competent and complex head nurse earned critical acclaim and endeared her to audiences worldwide.
Loretta Swit Early Career
Loretta Swit began performing on stage at age seven and gained experience in regional and national theater productions.
She appeared in shows such as “Any Wednesday”, “The Odd Couple”, and “Mame”, often earning recognition for her comedic timing and stage presence.
She also worked in television guest roles on series including Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, Hawaii Five-O, and Mannix before moving to Hollywood in 1970.
Loretta Swit Top 10 Movies and TV Shows
Loretta Swit gained widespread recognition for her Emmy-winning portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the television series M*A*S*H (1972–1983).
She was a well-known TV actress who made a lot of TV movies and guest appearances, including the original Cagney & Lacey pilot. Over the years, she received many Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.
- M*A*S*H (1972–1983): As Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, winning two Emmy Awards.
- Cagney & Lacey (1981 TV Movie): Starred in the original pilot as Cagney before M*A*S*H commitments prevented a series run.
- The Big Battalions (1992): Played Cora Lynne in this miniseries.
- Hell Hath No Fury (1991): Starred as Mary in the TV movie.
- A Matter of Principal (1990): Played Janet Short in this TV movie.
- Games People Play (1970s-80s): Frequently appeared on Match Game and Pyramid.
- Play the Flute (2019): Appeared as Mrs. Kincaid.
- Beach Movie (1998): Played Mrs. Jones.
- Shirley (1996): Appeared in L’ultimo guerriero (The Last Warrior).
- Murder, She Wrote (1994): Guest starred as Kim Mitchell.
Breakthrough with M*A*S*H
Loretta Swit career took a different turn in 1972 when she was chosen to play Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in “M*A*S*H”.
Her portrayal of the strong-willed and compassionate military nurse earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, solidifying her status as a household name.
Swit’s favorite episodes include “Hot Lips and Empty Arms” and “Margaret’s Engagement,” showcasing her character’s depth and complexity.
Additional Television Roles
Loretta Swit Prior to “M*A*S*H,” Swit had guest roles in popular TV shows such as “Hawaii Five-O,” “Gunsmoke,” and “Mission: Impossible.”
Her television career continued to flourish post-M*A*S*H with appearances in series like “The Love Boat” and movies like “Cagney & Lacey.”
Stage Career
Swit has an impressive resume in theater, having performed in notable productions like “Same Time, Next Year,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” and “Shirley Valentine.”
Her dedication to the stage complements her television success and highlights her versatility as a performer.
Loretta Swit Stage and Theater Work
Theater has always been close to Loretta’s heart. She returned to the stage many times during and after her TV career. Her Broadway appearances include productions like:
- Same Time, Next Year
- The Mystery of Edwin Drood
- Shirley Valentine
She once said that the intimacy and energy of live performance gave her a unique kind of joy, like playing music in perfect harmony.
Notable Works and Achievements
Loretta Swit tenure on MASH* spanned all 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983, making her one of only four cast members to appear throughout the entire series.
Her performance garnered two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Beyond MASH*, Swit appeared in various television films and series, including The Love Boat and Cagney & Lacey.
She also returned to her theater roots, performing in productions such as “Shirley Valentine” and “The Vagina Monologues.”
